The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America culinary series will offer a walk-around tasting showcasing the Los Angeles food scene on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at the LINE Los Angeles, according to an announcement made Monday by the organization behind the James Beard Awards. Presented by American Express and Resy, the nationwide tour highlights acclaimed local chefs across 20 cities and will feature more than 10 stations with food, beverages, and special activations.
Event Details and Ticket Information for Taste America Los Angeles
Tickets for the Los Angeles tasting go on sale Tuesday, with prices set at $225 for premier access and $175 for general admission, according to the foundation. Premier ticket holders gain entry an hour early at 6 p.m. to enjoy exclusive bites and beverages not offered during the main event. General admission provides access to all food and beverage offerings available throughout the evening. Proceeds from the event support the James Beard Foundation’s national impact programs, which focus on fostering a sustainable and equitable future for independent restaurants.
“We’re thrilled to bring this celebration to Los Angeles, where guests will sample exceptional bites from some of the city’s most dynamic talent, connect with their local food community, and raise a glass to the chefs leading our industry forward through both craft and purpose,” James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach said in a statement.
Featured Chefs and Lineup at the LINE Los Angeles
Chefs Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle of Little Fish will host the tasting. Both chefs belong to the James Beard Foundation’s 2026-2027 TasteTwenty class, an annual list honoring culinary professionals whose creative vision shapes the future of dining. Sonenshein and Vahle will lead a collective of 10 independent restaurant chefs from across Los Angeles.
Participating culinary talent includes Jonathan Harris of Linden, Rashida Holmes of Bridgetown Roti, Fátima Juárez of Komal, Ki Kim of Ki, Johnny Lee of RasaRumah, Charles Namba of Camélia, Rose Previte of Maydan LA, Misha Sesar and Cody Ma of Azizam, and Tyler Wells and Paul Downer of Betsy. Attendees can view complete menus and find additional event details by visiting the official James Beard Foundation website.
Did You Know? The Taste America series celebrates the culinary scene across 20 different cities nationwide by highlighting acclaimed local chefs and supporting independent restaurants.
“Restaurants are very much a team sport,” Sonenshein and Vahle said in a joint statement regarding their participation in the TasteTwenty cohort. “We get to work everyday with people that are really committed to doing the best possible work and that includes our network of fishermen, farmers, colleagues around the city and beyond that we bounce ideas off of and get inspired by.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Taste America event taking place?
The walk-around tasting is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at the LINE Los Angeles.
How much do tickets cost and when can they be purchased?
Tickets become available for purchase on Tuesday. Premier tickets cost $225 per person with 6 p.m. early entry, while general admission tickets cost $175 per person for entry at 7 p.m.
Who is hosting the Los Angeles tasting?
Chefs Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle of Little Fish are hosting the event, alongside a lineup of 10 chefs from independent restaurants across L.A.
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